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The Tennessee Titans made six selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, three of which came from trades. It isn’t surprising that they devoted all picks to offensive players because they finished 30th in total yards (296.8) and 29th in points (17.5) per game last season.
While these prospects can help shape the team’s future, they are gearing up for another season of power-running football with Derrick Henry as their foundation.
It remains to be seen if this approach will work. But general manager Ran Carthon and head coach Mike Vrabel will stick to the system that made them playoff participants in three of the last four seasons.
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Who did the Tennessee Titans select in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Round 1, 11th overall – Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Round 2, 33rd overall – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Round 3, 81st overall – Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
Round 5, 147th overall – Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
Round 6, 186th overall – Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
Round 7, 228th overall – Colton Dowell, WR, University of Tennessee at Martin
The Titans’ offensive line enters a transition period
Guard Nate Davis signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, Taylor Lewan and Ben Jones might not return after becoming the cornerstones of the Tennessee offensive line.
The Titans tried to address their departures by signing Le’Raven Clark, Dennis Daley, Daniel Brunskill, and Andre Dillard. However, they will need more reinforcements to assemble the best line possible and to keep warm bodies in a highly-physical position.
Skoronski can play either tackle or guard, depending on how Dillard will pan out. Either way, he will likely be a Week 1 starter. Wherever he plays, he can be an immovable force who can help reduce the sacks and quarterback pressures that Tennessee surrenders. Last year, the Titans gave up 49 sacks, the fifth-most in the league. He is also a vicious run blocker who can create massive lanes for Henry by moving people away.
Meanwhile, Duncan adds depth to their rotation. While he was a starting left tackle at Maryland, he could be moved to the interior if needed. He would have to get used to playing guard if Vrabel or offensive coordinator Tim Kelly puts him there.
Finally, the Titans will creatively use a versatile tight end in Whyle. Adding him to the roster lets Tennessee maintain their preference for 12 and 13 personnel. They did sign Trevon Wesco to a one-year deal to beef up their rotation. However, Whyle and Chigoziem Okonkwo will be their top two tight ends. They can move them around as blockers, pass-catchers, or fullbacks.
Is Will Levis the Titans’ next franchise quarterback?
Surprisingly, Levis was one of the four prospects left in the green room after Day 1 of the 2023 draft. He was projected to go to the Indianapolis Colts as early as number four. Instead, Tennessee’s division rivals went with Anthony Richardson. That should be a fantastic rivalry within the AFC South if they live up to the hype and address loopholes in their game.
Drafting Levis means that Tennessee isn’t sold on Malik Willis. He hasn’t done much to unseat Ryan Tannehill and looks lost in the few games he started. While Levis combines good mechanics with his strong arm, Tannehill will still be QB1. He could push the veteran for the starting role if his toe isn’t a real issue anymore. With Tannehill playing in the final year of his contract, Levis will be the next man up.
Is Tennessee Abandoning The Passing Game?
The Titans re-signed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and added Chris Moore. But aside from drafting Dowell in the seventh round, that’s it at the top of their wideout depth chart. Treylon Burks will be their primary receiver, but he only had 444 receiving yards last season.
Dowell is a big target who might have some success in the slot. But putting him there depends on how he will fare in training camp. Chances are that the Titans will put him on special teams. Given that they are not moving heaven and earth to boost their wide receiver rotation, Tennessee will prioritize the running game and live off play action in the passing game.
Will Tyjae Spears Supplant Derrick Henry?
Filling in Henry’s shoes will be a tall order for Spears. However, there’s a chance that Henry won’t return to Tennessee in 2024, given the two voidable years in his contract. Spears will take over from the two-time All-Pro and 2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year when that happens.
Aside from his physical style of play, the former Tulane standout has the elusiveness to take it to the house when he gets open lanes. He can also contribute as a pass-catcher more than Henry did. If the changing of the guard happens after the 2023 season, it’s either Spears makes Titans fans miss Henry, or he makes a lot of tacklers miss.
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